Solvay silica expert wins Curie research and technology award

Sylvaine Neveu, a researcher in Solvay’s silica business unit, has won the Irène Joliot-Curie 2016 award. She was honored in the category Woman, Research and Enterprise, granted by the French Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Research.

For more than 12 years Neveu has managed key projects for Solvay including the development of a new silica for low-energy pneumatic applications. When she was first appointed, her team comprised only 20% women.

“I am keen to share my knowledge and skills to promote the development of my team and of those who come to me for advice, without any discrimination. I hope to be a role model for other women in my career and also for men who still hesitate to promote women to management positions,” said Neveu.

An Nuyttens, president of the global silica business unit, said, “We are very proud to have Sylvaine in our Silica business. Through her flawless professionalism and skills, she was able to bring innovation to a higher level with the help of her teams at Silica. This award is a true recognition of her scientific work and her outstanding leadership.”

The Irène Joliot-Curie award is intended to promote the role of women in research and technology in France. It highlights the exemplary careers of women scientists.

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Rachel's career in journalism began around five years ago when she started working for UKi Media & Events, having recently graduated from Coventry University where she studied the subject. Her favourite aspect of the job is interviewing industry experts, including researchers, scientists, engineers and technicians, and learning more about the ground-breaking technologies and innovations that are shaping the future of the automotive and tire industries.